Wanted: MI5 spies, no experience needed
Friday September 14 2007
THE British Security Service, MI5, has begun a recruitment drive in the North in preparation for the opening of its new multi-million pound headquarters on the outskirts of Belfast later this year.
For the first time, a number of Belfast newspapers ran an advertisement placed by the Security Service who are seeking to recruit IT professionals and foreign language transcribers.
The successful applicants will work in MI5's newly built Northern headquarters located inside the British Army's Place Barracks base in Holywood, Co Down.
MI5's move to Palace Barracks later this year will see the security service take the lead in all intelligence gathering matters relating to UK national security.
Until now PSNI Special Branch has been responsible for agent handling and intelligence gathering in teh North.
However, it is understood no specific date has yet been set for the transfer of responsibility due to ongoing negotiations about intelligence sharing between the PSNI and MI5.
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable, Peter Sherridan has already told the North's Policing Board a memo of understanding between the police and the security service had yet to be finalised.
ACC Sherridan said the PSNI would use whatever number of officers on liaison with MI5 as was necessary.
